I making Malbec from a wine kit. The temperature in my house is close to 80 degrees which is fine for the primary fermentation. The kit instructions indicate that the second one requires 68-75 degrees. The carboy fits inside the cooler with the airlock.
1.Since the cooler's temperature goes up only to 66 degrees, will the difference in temperature affect the wine?
2. After 3 days od starting the fermentation, I noticed in the kit instructions that I was supposed to soak the oak chips in hot water inside the paper bag where they were. Instead, I opened the bag and poured the chips in the juice. I like wines with woody flavor and I believe what I did will reduce the wood flavor. Can I add more chips at a later time?
1.Since the cooler's temperature goes up only to 66 degrees, will the difference in temperature affect the wine?
2. After 3 days od starting the fermentation, I noticed in the kit instructions that I was supposed to soak the oak chips in hot water inside the paper bag where they were. Instead, I opened the bag and poured the chips in the juice. I like wines with woody flavor and I believe what I did will reduce the wood flavor. Can I add more chips at a later time?